BURY North MP David Chaytor was literally right on the button to help open Viridor Waste Management's power plant extension.

He pressed the control switch at the company's base at Pilsworth to launch the latest addition to the plant.

This involves a further four engines, generating 4.2 megawatts (MW) of electricity, meaning that the site now generates a total of 7MW of renewable electricity. This is sold on to the National Grid and is enough to provide the power needs of almost 10,000 local homes.

The plant utilises the methane from landfill gas from decomposing waste in the adjacent Pilsworth landfill site, a facility providing safe and efficient disposal for wastes generated by local businesses and households.

The power plant began generating electricity in 1998 when two gas engines, with a capacity to generate 2MW of power, were installed. Another 1MW engine was added three years ago. The site employs four people.

Mr Chaytor, who was joined by other guests and dignitaries at the opening, stressed that one of the biggest challenges facing the UK over the next ten to 20 years will involve energy, as fossil fuels reach their production peak and decline.

"Renewable energy sources such as waste to energy power plants will therefore becoming increasingly important to us," he said.

Mike Hellings, Viridor Waste Management's managing director, commented: We are delighted to be able to bring this facility on-line as it makes a significant contribution to our power-generating capacity.

"It is also a vital part of our environmental controls on site here at Pilsworth and we will continue to work hard with the local community while providing safe and efficient disposal and recycling services."

Viridor is one of the UK's leading waste management companies and a market leader in recycling. It currently operates 21 regional landfill disposal sites, numerous recycling facilities and more than 80 waste processing sites throughout the UK.